Radiators are an important part of your home; they keep you warm and comfortable when the weather gets cold and create a welcoming atmosphere for your family and friends. With so many to choose from, there is bound to be a style that is perfect for you – whether you prefer the more traditional look of column radiators or the sleek and stylish designs of towel rails. Below, we’ll look at a few tips and considerations for hanging your radiator.
Can I hang a radiator myself?
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In short, yes! You can hang a radiator in your home yourself. Removing and hanging a new radiator is a straightforward task, especially if you find various DIY tasks around the home relatively easy to complete. The easiest way to ensure that you can carry this out yourself is to make sure that you choose a radiator that is the same size as your last model – this means you can simply replace it. If you need to change the pipework because your new radiator is a different size or shape, this will require some adjustments to be made to the pipes, so if that is the case, choosing a plumber is always best. Following the instructions that you will find online to help you change your radiator means you can complete this task without help, so you can take advantage of your new radiator when you need it most.
How to choose your new radiator
Choosing a new radiator can seem like a difficult task, there are so many models, styles, and colours to choose from – how can you possibly decide? Choosing a new radiator mostly comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making your final decision. If you are looking for a radiator for your bathroom, why not choose a towel rail, for both heat and a way of drying your towels? Not to mention that they look stylish! Or if your home is more traditional, and you like the vintage look, you could choose a column radiator which provides high and efficient heat output, whilst looking classy. Once you’ve decided, you can move on to the next step.
Placement
When it comes to hanging your radiator, you’re going to have to think about its placement. If you are simply replacing an old radiator, rather than installing a new one, this may not matter too much, but if you are fitting a radiator somewhere new, you’ll need to consider a few factors. Are you placing your radiator somewhere that is free from the cover of furniture? If you have heavy curtains, make sure they are not hanging over your radiator, as the heat will be absorbed into the material. As well as this, make sure that items of furniture are not covering the radiator, as this will stop the warm air from circulating.
Fixing positions
Did you know that the way you fix your brackets has an impact on the heat output of your radiator? Although it doesn’t matter which side of the radiator each bracket goes on, whether that’s left or right, the brackets each have a large and a small side. You should place your radiator on the wall with the larger side of the bracket, so that the radiator sticks out further from the wall, allowing heat the circulate more easily. You can use the smaller side if you are short on space.
Not enough space?
You’ll need to weigh up whether you have enough space to hang your radiator. If you are simply replacing an old one, this may not matter too much. However, if you are hanging a radiator in a new place in your home, you’ll need to think about how much space you must work with. Do you have room to hang a new radiator, or would it be better to choose two smaller models to hang in different places? If you are struggling for horizontal wall space, would a vertical radiator, or towel rail be helpful? Thankfully, there are radiators of all shapes and sizes on the market, so no matter the size of your room, you can benefit from a warm and cosy atmosphere.